Total Containerboard production in March increased 10 percent compared to March 2019. It was up eight percent when compared to the same three months of 2019.

March 2020 production of containerboard for export increased 39 percent compared to the same month last year; it was up 44 percent year-to-date.

The containerboard operating rate was 93.3 percent, up 7.3 points from March 2019 and up 4.5 points year-to-date.

Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of March decreased 8,000 short tons from the previous month, and were down 2,000 short tons compared to March 2019.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

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The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.